On the Finnish band's new album Dark Passion Play, all eyes (and ears) are on Olzon, and she comes through. She has a more traditional singing voice, not the operatic style of Turunen. She doesn't have as much power, but sings with more emotion and expression. Bassist Marco Hietala also supplies male vocals on a few songs and does a good job.
The album opens with the 14 minute epic "The Poet And The Pendulum," which sets the stage. Nightwish's music is bombastic, symphonic and cinematic, with keyboards and strings creating a gothic atmosphere. There are also crunchy guitars that add heavy riffs and break off a solo once in a while. Dark Passion Play, whether loud and epic, or subdued and acoustic, is always very melodic with memorable choruses and a lot of hooks. Fans that thought Nightwish would go downhill after Turunen left are sadly mistaken. This is an excellent album that's right up there with the best the band has done.
